British regimental number research. First World War research. Military research. British Army regiments. Regimental numbering sequences between 1881 and 1918. Regimental number series. Other rank prisoners of war 1914.

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5 July 2009

Army Service Numbers 1881-1918 - Index

This index to British Army regimental numbers comprises two sections: SECTION 1 which deals with individual regiments and battalions, and SECTION 2 which deals with other, largely non-regiment specific articles.All service record information on these Army Service Numbers posts is taken from WO 363 (The so-called 'Burnt Documents') WO 364 (Pension Records), WO 97 (Chelsea Pensioner records), WO 96 (Militia Records) and, to a lesser degree, the WW1 Medal Index Cards (MICs). The campaign medal rolls and the silver war badge rolls can, with care, also provide valuable information. Note that Findmypast has also indexed First World War service and pension records and these are available as a single search. Furthermore, you'll find records in the Findmypast version that you won't find anywhere else.All of the records above can be viewed free of charge by taking out a FREE trial with Findmypast. The National Archives at Kew also provides free access, as do many archives and libraries. For more information on what I consider to be vital military links, see the right-hand menu or my Finding your army ancestor post.To find photos of soldiers you should visit my British Army Ancestorswebsite which was launched in 2017. There you'll be able to search over 11.6m records. Your chances of finding a photo are still remote - but it's got to be worth a shot. Also read my blog post which is called Finding a photo of your British military ancestor.

Reference to service battalions below may also include local reserve battalions which fed into the service battalions and which shared the same number sequence as the service battalions. See for example, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th Battalions were service battalions. The 13th and 15th Battalions were reserve battalions for the four service battalions. All six battalions shared the same numbering series.And finally...

190 comments:

My grandfather served for three years as a private between 1907-1910. I have a photograph of him standing next to a bicycle, so I am guessing he was in a cyclist battalion. The branch he lists on a WWI draft card in 1917 when he was living in the US, indicated "McTetra." I have been unable to find any information about this branch. If you have any suggestions for my research, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

I can't see the Somerset Light Infantry here, do you have any informaton on them please?

I'm trying to research my Grandfather, Alfred Clarence Hoare. We have photographs showing him in Somerset Light Infantry uniform and in India.

We have four numbers with his surname, these are.

From Medal cards.

37667 Correct forename and middle inital.

26513 Correct forename, no middle inital.

From Ships Passenger list, Bombay-Southampton April 1920.Correct Regiment, rank & surname, no initals.1867018672This coincides with the demobilisation on 2nd Battalion which had been staioned in India throughout the War.

Since there are only two medal cards for this surname in the S.L.I. are the two passenger list numbers the same two men with new numbers?

He served in the Home Guard in WW2. Would any reference to previous service be included in the later records?

My inclination would be to settle on the MIC which has the correct middle initial. 37667 dates to mid 1917, whilst 26513 dates to around June 1916. I really can't comment about 18670 and 18672 and I'm afraid I'm not sure about Home Guard records either, but the National Archives should be able to help you on that one.

My ancestor, Thomas Reed, served with the 3rd (Prince of Wales) Dragoon Guards during 1886-98, with regt.no. 2788. He then re-joined the regiment in April 1900, with the regt.no. 4457.

I have reason to believe that he was transferred to the 1st (Royal) Dragoons and served with them in the Boer War, with regt.no. 4489.

Can you possibly tell me when 4489 would have joined the 1st (Royal) Dragoons, so that I can see if this supports this? Was it after April 1900?

On a related note, I would be interested to know when another Private Andrew Fox, regt.no. 4870,joined the 1st (Royal) Dragoons. This gentleman definitely transferred from 3rd Dragoon Guards, in time for service in the Boer War.

Can you please tell the closest 'confirmed' dates/regt.no.'s to regt.no.4489, of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons.

I am still battling to find out which regiment my ancestor transferred to prior to the Boer War. The most feasible possibility still seems to be Pte T Reed, regt.no.4489, 1st Dragoons - subject to reconciling dates. With this in mind, it would be most helpful to know the range of dates within which 4489 joined the 1st Dragoons...

My grandfather served in the Army Veterinary Corps in WW1 - I have his medals and have found his service record but do not know what regiment he joined (presuming it was a Northampton Regiment as that was his county of birth but I believe he was in the Bedford Police Force before joining the army) or where he served in France. Can you please help Thank you JM

I'm researching the names on our village war memorial (Middleton Cheney, Northants). Your website has been enormous help. Please can you tell me when Private Owen Tims enlisted? His number is 6655, 1st/8th Bn., Middlesex Regiment. Duke of Cambridge's Own. Was he a Territorial? Many thanks if you can help

Hi Paul,You will gather from this email that the 6th Bn., Northants Regiment was the destination for a number of lads from thei village (see previous post). Please can you help me out with enlistment dates for the following (all on our war memorial)-15260 Henry Alfred Gibbard17083 Charles Braggins20465 William Newman22922 Albert Bayliss25961 George BaylissMany thanks once again

Hi PaulI've a relative i'm researching that served in the Northumberland Fusiliers during the Great War. His medal card gives him two numbers - 3926 and T-425188 (Pte. William O'Neal)He was born,bred and worked in Hull. I know the 17th Battalion (North Eastern Railway Pioneers) were formed there. Would he have been part of this? I'm very new to this and don't know how to use his number to find out.If you can help it would be great. He was a larger than life character in his time and a bit of a strongman - all the bent railings down his street testified to that when he was thrown out of the house by my great grandfather and went off in a rage. How could i not want to find out more!Andy O'Neil (His surname was spelled with an A)

Unfortuantely you're going to ned to find his battalion and you'll do this by using the medal roll references against his medal awards on his mkedal index card (which is available on line via the Ancestry site). Unfortunatley it's just not possible to say which NF battalion he belonged to, from the number alone. The second number you give is for the ASC - Army Service Corps - and we can also deduce that because he only receivd the British War and Victory Medals, that he didn't arrive overseas until January 1916 at the earliest. Once you know the NF battalion, post here again.

I am hoping you can help me. I am trying to trace my great grandfather. He was in the No 1 Cornwall Fire command and was posted from Falmouth around 1920. His regimental number is 41449, Gunner, J McCarthy. I have no other info on him. Can you help.

41449 Gunner John McCarthy, Royal Garrison Artillery, arrive in France on the 11th July 1915. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star and the British War and Victory Medals. His number looks to date to early August 1914. You can access his medal index card via Ancestry.co.uk. No service record appears to survive.

16008 for the Wilts is, thankfully, easy. There is a series of 160** numbers which all date to the 1st October 1914 and which are all transfers from the Ox and Bucks Regt. I'm not sure how many men this affected but your man was certainly amongst these.

In answer to your question about brothers requesting transfers; yes it did happen, and the chances of a successful transfer would undoubdtedly have stood greater chance of success in the early stages of the war than in the latter stages when conscription was introduced.

I came across your site by accident and may i say it is brilliant, i wonder if you could help me out though, i am researching my great uncle and on his mic card it has 4 regt nos listed, m.g.c 9213R.fus 1904311. Lond. R. 3773m.g.c. 9212

Any idea which came first and why m.g.c. listed twice thks if you can help.. Steve

I'm struggling with all of these three I'm afraid, but I'd suggest that the first two are 1916 onwards and as for the AOC, no idea I'm afraid. Generally, my data beocmes thinner the later the war progressed. As always though, this is a work in progress, not that this helps you at this particular point in time.

Royal Fusiliers 19043 could date to September 1915. For instance, G/19065 was issued on September 6th 1915. The omission of a G/ prefix on Frederick Langmead's card could simply be an omission.

11th London Regt 3773 dates to May 1915.

So sequentially, it looks as though he joined the 11th Londons, transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and then to the MGC, but no idea why MGC appears twice with the same number. It might be worth your while calling up his medal rolls to see if you can identify the RF battalion.

Thanks for the useful information.May I ask for help with the following? My grandfather was sent to France in August 1914 with the First Draft of the 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers. He fought at Mons and received the 1914 star with bar, retreated to the Marne where he was killed in September 1914. However he was 'Not A Regular'. Records show him as enlisting in the Northumbrian Royal Engineers TF in 1908 Service No 371, for ONE YEAR only.Census records etc show him as a family man in civilian employment.His Service No with the Northumberlan Fusiliers was 292, a very low number. How did a 'civilian' with only one years TF service in the Royal Engineers TF, 5 years earlier, get posted to the Infantry with such a low service number and get sent as part of the BEF to France with the Northumberland Fusiliers?Thanks for any advice you can give.Alex

I've had a look at the service record for 371 William Alexander (whom I assume is your grandfather)and it shows that whilst he enlisted with the Territorial Force for one year in 1908, he was already a serving member with the Northumbrian Royal Engineers (Volunteers) having joined on 9th April 1906. The TF replaced the Volunteer Force and, as you say, he then signed on for a further year with the TF and had completed a total of two years and 357 days' service by the time he was discharged on the 28th May 1909.

None of this explains how a 292 William Alexander came to be killed in September 1914. The number 292 for a regular soldier in the NF dates to 1904 and so I'm at a loss to explain this one (unless we're looking at two separate William Alexanders) The number 292 also does not fit into the pattern of Special Reserve numbers.

A pal of mine - and a follower of this blog - is an expert on the NF and I've sent him an email to see if he can shed any light on this. Watch this space.

Please can you help me 'find' my grandad? he was a Corporal in the Worcester Regiment service no. 9426 and then a Private in the 10th Royal Hussars regimental number H/7497. I've no idea when or why he transferred but he left the Hussars in September 1912 and was either recalled or volunteered at the beginning of WW1. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you for taking the trouble to say, thank you; many don't. I have now published a separate blog post on Worcestershire Regiment numbering in the regular battalions between 1881 and 1914. See also the links to external sites at the end of that post.

hi, im trying to research my family but baffled with a great uncle in northumberland fusiliersnumber 1482710th battalion5th sept 1916, medals removed, desertion. had them reinstated at some stage but died of wounds exactly 1yr later on 5th sept 1917visited his grave at grevillers on a battlefield tour this yearcan you find any info pls? i cant find any records

Shirley, I can't be sure, but it looks as though he enlisted around October 1914. You should follow up the references on his medal index card and get somebody to look at the actual medal rolls for you. That might give you more information about battalions he served with. The medal rolls are not on-line but are accessible at The National Archives.

My grandfather was Alfred Robert Richmond and he was a private in the Scottish Rifles with a service number 10843. He later moved to the Tank Corps and his service number was then 305007. I am trying to find out when he enlisted and when he would have transferred. His qualifiying date for medals was 15 Aug 1914. I know he was at Nigg camp in 1917 with the 3rtd battalion. Any information would be gratefully received.

Hi PaulI thought I had sent you a request, but it did not appear on your blog! Must have made a mistake.

My grandfather Alfred Robert Richmond joined the South Wales Borderers as a boy on 10 Feb 1910. His service number was 10332. He trained as a musician and was sent to pretoria south Africa, but was discharged unfit 20 August 1912, just 17.6 years old.

He then re-joined at some stage with the Scottish Rifles, service number 10840 and saw action in France 15 Aug 1914. He then joined/transferred to the (16?) Tank Corps with a service number 305007. From citations later in his life I beleive he was a Company Sergean Major.

I am sorry to trouble you, but can you tell me anything about him such a when he joined the Scottish and how he would have transferred to the Tanks. His life seems to have been extraordinary, but I have little knowledge of him.

hello i would love to find out more about my great grandfather i have researched only so far i have his details as follows William Thomas Avis Name: William Thomas AvisEstimated Birth Year: abt 1888Age at enlistment: 26Residence: 54 Tak St, Lambeth SEDocument Year: 1914Regimental Number: 16922Regiment Name: Royal Regiment of Artillery ( Royal Horse & Royal FieldArtillery )

William Thomas Avis has a service record in WO 363 which states that he saw prior service with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry and was discharged with less than 12 years service. You can view this record on ancestry.co.uk. If you go to findmypast.co.uk you'll also find his KSLI record which shows that he enlisted on the 13th April 1907 and was discharged on the 31st July 1907 having served 111 days. He was discharged under Article 1142, paragraph (iii) and was discharged free of charge.

Article 1142 dealt with the purchase of discharges (£10 for a recruit and £18 after a man was trained). Paragraph (iii) dealt with those men with less than 12 years' service and stated that "... provided that he satisfies the general officer commanding of the existence of urgent reasons for his being discharged for the purpose of supporting his parents, or for any other such sufficient special cause – free".

I'm researching the WW1 names on the memorial in my local church. I wonder if you can help with an approximate enlistment date for Private 25605 Arthur Cooper 7th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment? The database on FindMyPast says that he was formerly 23314, Somerset Light Infantry. Would that make sense? If so, do you know why he might have transferred? (It also says that he enlisted Canterbury which seems a bit strange for someone from Hampshire joining the Wiltshire Regiment?!)RegardsRoger

So possibly a batch of transfers on or around the 10th May 1916 and I'd suggest that your man was probably a Derby Scheme man who had originally attested in 1915 and been called up in Feb/March 1916. He wouldn't have had any say in where he was sent and so it's not so unusual to find him posted where he was.

Paul,Thank you so much for that. I have 49 names on my list and doing brief research on each one is certainly giving me a better understanding of the various campaigns and battles that made up WW1 (and the people who went to war).Thanks againRoger

My grandfather served in the First World War in the first Batallion Lincs Regiment (Reg number 5110). He was previously thought to have served in the Boer War. Would he have kept the same regimental number? Can you narrow down his joining date in 1898/1899 please?

My apologies for the delay in responding: a short family break without internet access.

Your grandfather's MIC indicates 1st Bn and a disembarkation in France date of 13th September 1914.5110 for the Lincs Regt dates to September 1898 (5111 attested on the 22nd September 1898) and your grandfather did indeed serve in the Boer war with the 2nd Battalion. He received the QSA with the clasps Paardeberg, Johannesburg, and Cape Colony, and also the KSA with the usual two clasps. A note on this medal roll indicates that he was invalided. It would appear though, that he served continuously with the Lincs Regt and presumably extended his service, as had he not done so, he would have well and truly completed his Seven and Five by the time Britain went to war in 1914.

I am trying to discover what Regiment if any my grandfather may have been in. My aunt told me he was a cook with a regiment posted to German West Africa (now Namibia) during WW1. Any ideas how I might discover which Regiments were there and if he was part of a regiment. His name was William Henry Dobson - born 1882, so he would have been in his mid 30s at the time.

Hi PaulWhilst clearing out my grandmother home I found a photo of someone in army uniform, photo was taken in cork and looking at the uniform it is from around 1914. There are two numbers on the back C2-58577 and C2-82594 will these be army ID's and if so any idea what regiment and how I find out who the ID belonged to. Thanks

Gosh, not sure on that one. Possibly Army Service Corps but that's a wild guess. Try posting the photo and your query on The Great War Forum: http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php. If the photo shows a cap badge or army insignia, that may help narrow down the search.

Hello Paul,Could you please help me trace which regiment my grandfather served with.The number on his Egypt medal is 41729.The rest of the insciption says:Trooper J S Haggart 2nd Comp Co. Ryl Dragoons,but they have no record of him in the Royal DragoonsMany ThanksJohn H.

John, Egypt Medal as in: http://britisharmymedals.blogspot.com/2009/08/egypt-medal-1882-1889.html? The number isn't right for that period. Can you confirm the medal please and any other detaisl about him, year of birth (if known), full names etc.

Hello Paul,My grandfather John Small Haggart was born on 7th July 1871 in Dundee.I have been told that his two medals - The Egypt Medal dated 1882 with clasps for Tamaai 1882 and Gemaiziah 1888 together with the Khedive's Star are bogus as he would have been 11years old in 1882. The 1891 Census puts him back in Dundee working in a Jute Mill.I had hoped the army number would give some clue as to which regiment he may have served with.Hope this helps.Many ThanksJohn H.

John, I've updated my blog post for the Egypt Medal with the regiments which qualified for the clasps Tamaai and Gemaizah 1888. Hre's the link again: http://britisharmymedals.blogspot.com/2009/08/egypt-medal-1882-1889.html

There were Hussars present at both actions but not Dragoons. However, as I mentioned, that number does not belong to that particular period for any cavalry regiment. For instance, by 1889 not one single line cavalry regiment had a number higher than 3900, and many a good deal lower than that. So they all had four digit numbers and none of them would make it to five digit numbers for more than two decades (by which time the cavalry had renumbered by corps rather than by individual regiment). So that five digit number is NOT a cavalry number from the 1880s (or earlier). The number could fit the Royal Artillery (post 1883) but not the RE. In any event, you say that this is a red herring in any event.

Let's assume the Egypt Medal is genuine, albeit not awarded to your grandfather. Those awarded to British troops were impressed in sloping capitals EXCEPT the Royal Marines which were named in large upright bold capitals. How does the naming appear on your medal?

Hello Paul AgainMany Thanks for all your help.It looks as though my grandfather's service history will a bit of a mystery. I have been able to trace his service with the Red Cross during WW1 with the VAD from medals ,certificates and photos.His Medals can be seen on :www.britshmedalforum.comTopic: Database of Named Khedive's Star pages 8/9 Regards John H.

I'll check it out, thanks John. I am a member of the forum but only an occasional visitor there. If you've not already done so it would be worth contacting the British red Cross archives in Moorgate as they do have index cards for a lot of VAD members.

Hi, my grandfather, William Henry Willis, was in the South Wales Boderers for part of WW1, number 40506, intially with the Brecknock Btn, latterly (I think) with the 2nd regulars. My father also thinks he started in the Hampshire territoral forces. Can you confirm any of this and give any dates? Thanks in advance.

William'smedal index card notes 445 for the Hampshire regiment (no battalion given) and 40506 for the SWB (again, no battalion). Regardless of the Hants battalion, the number is an early one and suggests an enlistment date of 1908 or 1909 and possibly prior service with the Volunteers. Presumably he was from Hampshire and you could probbaly guess at a TF battalion with reasonable certainty if you knew whereabouts in the county he lived.

The SWB number is much later, 1917 onwards and I wonder whether your grandfather joined the SWB after he became a time-expired Territorial. He certainly did not go overseas until Jan 1916 at the earliest.

What an excellent site! Ive only just started my research but am already at a loss as my info is extremely limited. Am trying to find info on my great grandfather Edward Henry Jones, I've been informed he was a Hussar, and his son,my grandad, was born in India in 1921? I believe he was born in 1890, and received a DCM. The only record I can find is of a DCM to an 586 EH Jones (gloucester, Hussars) in 1917. Not sure where the best place to researching, what it was for, when he enlisted or where! Any advice appreciated! Thank you. AK

The Hussar you refer to is EDWIN Henry Jones according to his medal index card and whilst he started off as a lance-sergeant in the 7th Hussars, he was later commissioned and certainly served in India. You need to visit Ancestry.co.uk to see his medal index card - click on one of the Ancestry links on my blog - but you should find his complete service record at The National Archives, assuming these have been released to the public.

Hi Paul,Wondering if you can help me please.I am trying to find out information for a Herbert Edward Whitehead, who I understand was in the Royal Fusiliers in WW1 with the (regimental?) number of G49817.I am having trouble finding his service record as I do not know which battalion he was in. Are you able to help me narrow down some further information?Many thanks.

His mnedal index card notes GS/49817, the GS standing for Geneal Service and indicating that he enlisted for wartime service only.I can't date the number as accurately as I'd like to but it looks as though it dates to the first half - and possibly the first quarter - of 1917.

Date of Attestation - 10 November 1915No. G49817Stationed at DoverTrained in Musketry & Bayonet Fighting and BombingQualified as Drive & Musketry Instructor 3 September 1917Field Service Septemebr 1917 to January 1919

Can any of this help in finding a Battalion or any further info?Or can you explain what some of these thing mean for me?

Many many thanks for any and all you you can give me and all the others who ask.I know I appreciate it a lot.Kathy

As good as that information is, it doesn't help you with a battalion. I still stick to my guesstimate of 1917 for actually "joining" the battalion and being given his regimental number. If he attested in Nov 1915 though, he probably did so under the Derby Scheme and was called up later in 1917.

You should not rule out checking the medal rolls. His medal index card gives the reference for the British War & Victory medal roll and this is: TP/104 B14 Page 1692. These rolls are not published online but are accessible at the National Archives in Kew. You can request this roll yourself or ask a researcher to find it for you; it's a straightforward enough task. The roll MAY give a battalion. Where di your relative obtain this additional information from? I looked for a service record online but couldn't identify one. Mayve they could provide you with further clues.

Thanks Paul for the further info, hope it helps me find his record.I don't know where the relative got the information from originally, they found it in the filing cabinet the other day and it was on a piece of paper that had type-writer typing on it, so it must have been done pre-computers.

Hi Paul,Trying to find about John Henry Brown in WW1. I have his Short Service Attestation with a reg. no of 55811 enlistment date 23/02/1916. The only Medal Card I can find for John Henry Brown gives a REG. No 31082, enlistment date as 23/02/1916 and a discharge date of 27/09/1916 under Para 2(b1) 392(xv1) KR. Action taken List 0/2263/1. I know from his attestment that he said he was 25 years 3 months when he was in fact 28 years 3 months. Could these two be the same person and would he be discharged for an inaccurate age? Thanks, Ray.

They're two different men. Your man did indeed join the West Yorks Regt with the number 55811 but by the time he went overseas he was with the Labour Corps and the number 666893. Trying keying in this number and his name and you'll find him. The MICs only record the name of the regiment that the man was serving with when he arrived overseas. No prior service is noted.

Serjeant Walter Charles Farrance, born Polymelus Camp, Cyprus; living in Pickering, Yorkshire; enlisted Newcastle-on-Tyne about 21st July 1906. His death date is given by CWGC and SDGW as 21st October 1914 (not September). Commemorated on the Menin Gate at Ypres.

Hi PaulI'm looking for info on my Grandfather 6766 George Cook. I know he was in the RAMC 7th Field Ambulance. I know he was wounded and think this was in France.Would be grateful for any info. Amazing site by the way.Wendy R

Hello,,Paul is it? Your great guy,,If I had the knowledge you have,Id be trying to help folks also..Cudos! to you,,,Ive been researching these 2 Soldiers from award groupings I hold,(DCM's),,am not getting to far..What you have done here is Remarkable.I am American,so I dont understand GB's regiment listings.As a favor,if you ever run acrossed any of these names,could you please smg me,in honor of your brave hero's? Im attempting to aquire their image to keep with their groupings so the next holder has them together.I feel they deserve this..The 1st is SJT J. Arthur #5175 2nd cameron highlanders.....The 2nd---PTO/WO H. Biggs 6th dragoon guards/3rd county of London yeomanry my email is Gracie02@frontiernet.net ..Any info you had,,On my word,Id pass on my expertise in the areas Im well in as return for your favor,to another..Great person you are..These hero's would feel honored,you help with them being remembered for their contribution to mankind.MONSTER regards,,,Timothy

George Cook was a regular soldier who enlisted in the RAMC on the 1st January 1913. His medal index card, silver war badge roll page and service record in WO 363 can all be viewed on the ancestry.co.uk website.

Hi PaulI am trying to trace where the following World War I serviceman may have been stationed between 1914 and 1918.His details are as follows:Walter Hudson - Royal Fusiliers/Army Service Corps - service no. 228990. He survived the war dying in the early 1980s.Any assistance would be much appreciated.RegardsTony

Tony I'm sorry but I've drawn a blank on this man. I can't find a medal index card for him but the number doesn't look like a RF number albeit it does fall within the series used by the 1st (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers). It looks to date to late 1917, early 1918 but would appear to be a London Regt number rather than the ASC.

Paul,Plausible , this is one of my haven't a clue where he comes from Blencowe's. Medal cards shows Gunner then Sergeant , entry into France 12 July 1915.Cl 2 24 March 1919Victory, British and Star.Would the promotion be recorded anywhere other than service file?

Could be recorded in a local newspaper or a regimental journal but that's probably about it. Might be worth getting in touch with Firepower (RA museum situated in Woolwich) and always worth posting a cry for help on the Great War Forum. You should certiainly join if you haven't already done so.

Mt grandfather was a Private Harry Tulk and served with the Dorset Regiment.

I have his medal card but am unable to find out what it means, therefore i do not know which battles he was in.

I am aware he did not join until 15/8/1915 and was injured 3 times, the last time he was left for dead but was found when the burial parties realised he was still breathing, he finished his time in Southampton hospital and was there for Armistice day

His number is 24153.

The medal card has what looks like a c or L/2/101B13 under the roll details and then ditto again for both the Victory and British medal, I beleive he was entitled to another one but never received it.

The second relative was his half brother who was a Frederick William Dean and he was also in the Dorset regiment his number was 200277 pte.

I'd have said that Harry Tulk joined later than the date you give. Certainly, his number with the Dorsets is much too high for August 1915 and looks more like August 1916. The refernces next to the medals refer to the original rolls which are at the National Archives in London. You could ask a researcher to photograph thee for you, or go to Kew yourself, but they probabky won't yiled a lot of additional information. Based on his number I'd have said that these medals were his only campaign entitlement.

200277 fro F W Dean shows that he was a member of the 4th Dorsetshire Regiment, a Territorial Force battalion. Like his half brother, he did not arrive overseas until after 31st December 1915.

Wondering if you can help. I have the following information from the CWGC and I am trying to track any further information on:William Edwardsnationality: South AfricanRank: DriverSouth African Service CorpsM.T.age 34Date of death: 30/11/1918Service No 3499Son of John and Fanny Edwards Cuddington Cheshire

I wish I could help, Bob, but I'm afraid I don't have anything at all on South African numbers. I do know that SA records survive still at the SA Military Archives and so you should probably direct enquiries there, although I gather from hearsay that you may find it something of a pallaver to get access.

This is an amazing piece of work that you have put together. Thanks for taking the effort to do so.

I am trying to find the right records for my Grandfather, William George Watson. I know that he was a sergeant in the Machine Gun Corps (from my aunt's birth certificate dated July 1916) and that he had previous Army service (1901 to 1904 in India with the Border regiment).

I have found three possible William Watsons who were sergeants in the MGC from the medal index cards and wonder if their service numbers might help identify which is the right one. They are:

Thanks for your post. You can rule out 113957 because this number is post July 1916. The other two are both possible candidates although with the first man, 13373 for the King's Liverpool Regt is an August 1914 enlistment and therefore pre-dates the MGC number. Unfortunately the pre-war service with the Border Regt is a red herring here. Both men could have had prior service in the army but you won't know that unless you find a service record for one or the other.

Hi Paul what a great site found it most informative.An im afraid i do have a query My Grandfather Taliesin Jenkins on his first Worl War Records show that he had been in the Army beforeit shows that he had joined in 30/12/1895 at Pontymister South wales he had joined the 1st S.W. Borderers NO.5152 and was discharged on 9/12/1903 I can find no record of this Number His World War 1 Number is 13256 S.W.BORDERERS He also had the number TR/4/66 after he was wounded. I would love to know where he was between 1895 and 1903 Thanking You Vivian Jenkins

I'm re-posting this message as I don't think the original got through for some reason.

I am researching a Cpl Arthur Sluman from Padstow in Cornwall who joined the Devonshire Regiment with the number 4348.

He returned to UK to become a machine-gun instructor but was recalled to France during the Spring Offensive and was posted to 10th Worcestershire with the number 43532. He was killed on 10th April 1918.

Is there anyway I can check whether the first number was in fact for the Devons as members of the family believe he joined the DCLI.

Also, is there any info I deduce from the two numbers that might help me fill in some of the blanks re enlistment date etc?

I'd also like to know more about interpreting army service numbers. Can you recommend a book?

5152 for the SWB dates precisely to 30th december 1895 and he has four surviving pages from his attestation in WO 97 (pension records) which you can access on the findmypast website. He served in Gibraltar and India as well as in the UK.

4348 for the Devonshire Regt dates to Jul/Aug 1895. 4348 for the DCLI dates to December 1893. If he was under 18 in Dec 1893 you can probably rule out the DCLI.

There's no book on army numbers, as far as I know, other than the one I have self-published and which contains some of the information you'll find on this blog. Howard Williamson is currently working on a book which will contain information on army numbers, some of this contributed by me, but this will not be published until next year.

Thanks for you reply to my question re army service numbers for Arthur Clarence Sluman.

Without in anyway doubting its veracity, I must admit I am rather baffled by what you have said. You indicate Arthur would have enlisted in the Devonshires in Jul/Aug 1895. He would then have been aged six, so clearly something is wrong. As I foolishly gave you no idea as to his age that was my fault.

I was always under the impression that Arthur enlisted late in the war and as there was no entry date for France assumed that he arrived some time after 1915.

I tried a quick search on Ancestry and came up with a John Dixon in the 2nd Devons who had the same number as Arthur. He arrived in France on 6/11/14 and was KIA 10th March 1915. Is it possible Arthur was allocated his number?

Thanks for the confirmation, Peter. I was just looking at the series for the regular battalions but armed with this additional information about his age it seems more plausible that the number belongs to the series which was being used by the 3rd (Militia) Battalion and would date to 1905/1906. This battalion became the 3rd Special Reserve Bn from 1908. Under no circumstances though, would he have been issued with a number which had been used by another man.

I must admit this is taking me into unchartered waters. I shall have to go in search of enlistment rolls for the militia of that date, if such things still exist.

The date you give would make Arthur about 18 at enlistment, which sounds plausible, if a little unexpected.

Not exactly sure where militias fitted in to the army structure. I understood them to be county-based volunteers, much like the Territorials. Were they paid? Presumably after the Haldane reforms they became part of the Territorial establishment?

I thought Army reserves were all ex-soldiers, but clearly I'm wrong there.

Thanks again for your help. What happened to your excellent Chailey website by the way? I'm in that neck of the woods myself.

You're close. The militia was county-based, as were the Volunteers. So you couldn't join the West Essex Militia, for instance, if you lived in Sussex. The militia gave men the opportunity to have a proper taste of army life without the full-time commitment, and in fact a lot of men joined the regular army having oiriginally served with the militia. They were paid. From 1908, the militia became the Special Reserve (and Extra Reserve) albeit a number of militia infantry battalions were disbanded. At the same time, the Volunteers became the Territorial Force.

There is a great distinction to be made between the men of the Army Reserve (who were regular soldiers marking time until they became time-expired)and the men of the Special/Extra Reserve who were part-time soldiers.

I abandondoned the Chailey site after the platform I'd published it on became too unwieldy. I always intended to re-publish but have rather been overtaken by other projects since then (and see no light at the end of the tunnel currently). But you certainly live in a beautiful part of the country.

As the milita were exclusively local it seems Arthur Sluman would very likely have been living in Devon at the time he enlisted. Interesting.

By way of a sneaky supplementary, I wonder if you could give me any help with another soldier of mine, a Robert England from Padstow who was KIA aged 27 on 23/8/17 at 3rd Ypres. He was in the 6th Somersets.

Robert has two numbers on his SDGW details, 15176 for the Somersets and a former number of 15590 for the DCLI. The DCLI number does not appear on either his CWGC or medal card. His date of entry for France is 8/9/15. The question is do his numbers give any clues as to when he transferred from the Cornwalls to the Somersets. Both the 6th Somersets and 6th DCLI were in 43rd Bde 14th (Light) Div, if that helps at all.

Hi Paul, I have discovered from your list of dates and P numbers that my Great grandfather, Rupert Youers must have transferred into the military mounted police between 12 Dec 1917 and 8 Feb 1918, as his number was P 14907. He was in the Bucks Yeomanry 2394, entry date to theatre of war 2A on 29/8/1915. I think this means he was at Gallipoli. Do you have any info on the bucks yeomanry?

Hello PaulI am.doing some war memorial research and am interested in George Edward Hunter who served in 8th batt. East Yorkshire Regiment (205645) before being transferred to the Dorsetshire Regiment 6th Batt. (23485). He was KIA on24/8/1918.Are you able to tell me anything about his likely date of transfer to the Dorsetshires or his original enlistment date? Many thanks for any help.

From the information I have (which, admittedly, gets thinner the klonger the war progresses), I'd have said that he transferred to the Wilts Regt between April and August 1916. If I weer you though, I wouldn't take my word for it but would also pose the same question on the Great War Forum. Be sure to put Wilts Regt help needed in the title of your post.

I just found out about your website from the Who Do You Think You Are? magazine.

My grandfather served in the Royal Field Artillery. I've been trying to work out where he may have served in France (in connection with which battles); but I have not been able to work out his battalion.

Ernest Albert Cale was born in Birmingham on 8 July 1892. He initially joined the Royal Field Artillery as a boy soldier on 17 August 1906 (military number 43615). In 1908, he became a trumpeter; and then in October 1908 he got into some kind of trouble, was charged and detained, and then discharged "services no longer needed". (WO 97/4479/152)

He signed up again with the Royal Field Artillery after the outbreak of war, sent to France on 14 July 1915 (WO 329/2545). He returned home at the end of the war and received the usual array of medals. For his second enlistment, he was Albert Ernest Cale, military number 10611. I am sure this is the right man, because he gives this number on his marriage certificate in 1917. He died in 1947 in Birmingham.

The archivist at the Royal Artillery Library suggested searching the medal rolls at TNA for references to the brigade, but nothing turned up.

Thank you for your post. Good old WDYTYA; I didn't know they'd given me a plug.

Tricky isn't it? In the absence of a service record, you're struggling, but it might give some pointers to look for men with numbers close to that of your grandfather and see if any patterns emerge. Do this by checking the service records (WO 363) and pension records (WO 364) on Ancestry. I had a quick look and came up with this:

Inconclusive, at best but you might also try posting this same query on The Great War Forum and hope that A RFA expert (and there are some knowledgeable folk there) comes along and gives you some more pointers.

The RGA and RH&FA used different number sequences. In addition, there were Territorial Force units which, again, each used different sequences. Royal Artillery numbering is worthy of a blog in its own. 20815 for the RGA dates to the second half of 1904. For the RH&FA it could date to January 1902 or, when a new numbering sequence began, to around November 1914. But I stand to be corrected by an expert on RA numbering.

Hi I am search for info on my great grandfather, his name is Arthur G Peakall and from what I can gather on ancestry.com he served in the 20th London Regiment, Army Cyclist Corps and the regimental numbers given are633136, and 23208. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am trying to track 2 great uncles,. I know Robert Finlayson served in the Royal Fusiliers, regiment no spts4348 from his medal card, but there is no other record, and his death is still unknown both in date and place.I also have a photo of I believe Eugene Finlayson in what appears to be Royal Fusiliers uniform, with the number 33370 on the rear. I can't trace any info on him at all, so does this mean his military records are in the burnt set?

Re RF, I'd have said the first man joined in November 1915 but there is no record of him on either SDGW or CWGC. SDGW is not good on post 1918 deaths and if he died after August 1921 he won't have been regarded as a WW1 war death. But as you'll have seen, his brother applied for his medals in 1922.

I could not find a card for 33370 and so maybe this man did not serve overseas or transferred to another regiment before serving overseas. Around 60% of service records were destroyed during WW1.

I am hoping that someone, somewhere will help me in trying to trace John Osborne's records who was born in Paisley. He says born 1914 but marriage age means born in 1917. The only info I have got is that he married in 1940 and residence is 51 (st?) Anti Tank RA Giza (Lines?) he was a gunner aged 23. His supposed number was 863871 and he told his family he was a gunner/bombardier in the Royal Horse Artillery. I desperately need to find his records as I cannot find a birth certificate for him and I am hoping that any info on his records will help me determine exactly where he was born and when! If you served with him please get in touch too.

I can't help I'm afraid, Pam. My knowledge ends in 1918. You'll need to get in touch with either the MoD (which still holds personnel records for WW2) or the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich who may have some information.

I'm wondering if you can shed some light on my great grandfather David Lynas who was a private in the Armagh Militia in 1855 (listed under his occupation on his marriage license. Now I am not fluent in any of the Battalion names if he belonged to one in particular but I need some direction in which to search for info. I know he lived in Portadown and that's all I know other than his marriage date. Can you direct me at all as to where I would find a register or listing on where he served?

Tricky really. There may be some patterns for some of the numbers, and for TF200499 (which of course, would NOT have been his original number) the enlistment would have happened within the recruiting area for the 1/5th Battalion. The earlier South Down numbers do fall into blocks which pertain to men who came from specific towns, but I think that for the majority of the numbers you have it would not be possible to pin down a precise location.

Thanks for all the hard work on this site - it helps a lot with researching family histories.

My relative was with the Camerons in WW!, and died somewhere on the Western front. His medal gives his service number as 3597 but according to your list that means he joined in 1894, but he wasn't born until 1895! have I taken a wrong turn somewhere?

Thomas Murray? Was he from Inverness? The numbers I posted only relate to the series used by the regular battalions but he could have joined the 4th (TF) Battalion in July 1915 and been overseas by 10th Nov 1915. I'd suggest he was 4th battalion, later S/40270.

Paul,Still having problems with Pte William Bryder TF/260042 7th Royal Sussex. have found that he had an earlier service number 2212 with the Royal Sussex Regiment but don't know prefix or which battlion.

Can you help me with any info about L/Cpl Harry Coburn G/9952 26th Middlesex Regt.He died in Salonika in 1919.Medal card suggests he served in France in 1915 but I cannot trace activity there by 26th Middlesex.Any idea when he may have joined up with this number.

Hello PaulMy Grandad, David Smith was born in Montrose, Angus, Scotland in 1877. He came eventually to Ireland where he married in 1904 and then left the Army in 1907. He re-enlisted sometime during WWI - The R. F. A. where he had the No. 76951. The only reference to him that I have found is the Medal Roll index (I have his 3 medals). Would you be able to tell me where and when he enlisted? He paid a visit to Montrose in 1915 and would guess that he enlisted there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I can tell you when he joined up but probably not where, although I could hazard a guess. Do you have his pre-war service papers? Please drop me a line if you would like to discuss taking this forward.

I wonder if you might be able to help me with finding out what battalion my Great Grandfather served in during the war. I have quite limited information on him and I fear that it is not enough to reveal anything substantial.

My Great Grandfather's name was Stanley Wilfred Arthur Lisk and he was a private in the Devonshire Regiment. His war badge records give him a regimental number of 63828 and he enlisted 10-12-15. He was based in Plymouth.

This is unfortunately all the information I have on him. Any help of guidance you could give would be greatly appreciated, I am an absolute novice when it comes to this!

He served with the 2/6th Devonshire Regt and the enlistment date is his attestation date rather than the date he actually joined the regiment (even though it states "enlistment" on the SWB roll). If you'd like me to dig deeper on this please follow the link on the research tab or email me directly at paulcanixon@yahoo.co.uk

Interesting blog! I'm a bit puzzled about the military background of my g-great grandfather. The only information I have on him (James Law) is that he may have joined up at the Hulme Barracks (near his home). I understand that these barracks were platooned by the Royal Welsh Light (dragoons) of which James was. He was also in the Army where he served in India during a secondment to the Nagpur Railway, rifle volunteers where he made lieutenant. James was wounded (approx 1902) at Koster River, South Africa during the Second Boer War. Thanks in advance, Vanessa

I have been researching the military career of my Great Grandfather James Murray. He served with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers in Boer War (Reg. No 5347, I think) and First World War (Reg. No. 26629). I have military record document from 1964 and also his medal card indicating he transferred to Royal Sussex Regiment in 1918 (Reg No. G/30241), then Labour Corps (either in 1917 or 1919, cannot read handwriting(!), Reg No. 426318) before finishing his career with the Royal Engineers between 1919-1920 (Reg. No. 608120).

I have two quick queries I am hoping you might be able to help me with:

1) Transfer to Labour Corps – this is listed as 16 Oct 1917 (or 1919). I am assuming this was because he was deemed unfit for frontline duties. He was awarded the Military Medal around this time – it is mentioned in the War Diary for the 8th Battalion of RDF on 2nd Oct 1917. No details are provided, other than his name, regiment number and recommendation for the award. If the date of transfer was indeed 1917 – could there be a link – might he have been wounded in the skirmish in which he won the award?

2) I consulted the Burnt Roll (WO363) through Find my Past to see if more of his military service records were extant. None of his regimental numbers for RDF, LC or RSR have any records associated. The number for the Royal Engineers (608120) did throw up a record for a James Murray. The thing is – I am not sure this is the same James Murray as my great grandfather who served with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, the personal family details, place of origin etc. appear to be quite different, and the ‘additional service records for this soldier’ beneath the entry show service with Gordon Highlanders and Army Service Corps. I am really confused now! As I see it, either there were two James Murrays with the same regimental number for the Royal Engineers, or two separate James Murrays have somehow had their records mixed.

I am sincerely sorry about the length of this message – any help or advice you could provide would be much appreciated. I am happy to discuss via email if you prefer.Kind regardsJohn

Hello Paul,,I didnt realize your reply..My examples I mentioned in mixed up order..First was #5175 J.Arthur DCM,,,,2ND CAMERON HIGHLANDERS,EARNED HIS DCM AT HILL60 1915,,YOU MENTIONED HIS TRANSFER TO BORDER REG...The other grouping I mentioned,was not the other DCM EARNER..He was 3570 pto/wo H. Biggs,,he was 6th dragoon guards/ then 3rd county of london Yeo..Since a dear friend from Birmingham,she helped me through her friend at museum..Regarding Sgt Arthur #5175,I was able to get some picture painted..I didnt realize he switched to border reg..I surf sites,in hopes of running on a private regimental group image to set with his grouping..Living here in USA,I am able to run on amazing groupings due to folks not realizing how special they are..Often times gaining for silver weight.The two I mentioned here,both five medal groups,officially named,though Pto/wo #3570 H. Biggs,was promoted,so his five were amended.I have kin from England,and many friends.I feel honored to hold what I do,realizing how important they are.Its not about money.When Im elderly,they will be sent where they belong.I am afraid of a dumbdumb getting hands on them as they are rainbows of glory,not touched since the men who wore them.Sgt Arthur,earned his DCM at hill 60,second battle of Ypres..The gazette run down is amazing!!!..H.Biggs #3570,isnt a DCM grouping,I got mixed up with other I am researching..With all the info you provide others,if I ever hit the lottery,will set out to find you a slammer set to admire,you deserve..The researching fun I get,and admiring the beautiful hue of them,is a gift I surely owe for being able to hold such items..You would do a backflip if you witnessed how I came to hold the two sets nentioned here.lol..All in one display,for silver weight.Both had typed tags,but now with help from my friends from Birmingham,and now your next clue,I have so much info included..But until reading your reply,I stopped at july23rd,1915,,,now maybe Other stuff will pop out..Reading the threads,you really help so many..Kindest wishes and regards to you Paul,,Cheers Timothy

HelloPaul,Me again..Due to fragile ribbon and numismatic experience,knowing rainbow tone ends up black,I handle the awards very little,admiring them laying flat in display.In this situation,costed me research time.lol...Examining SJT. J. ARTHUR DCM #5175 GROUPING,HIS WW1 VICTORY MEDAL FOR SERVICE FOR UNITED STATES,HAS BEEN NAMED 2ND LIEUT...the tone of he medal,and not normally seeing those named,I just noticed.I cant believe I missed this..I honeslty dislike handling,and truly will send them to FRT George when I am elderly.My Friend from Birmngham,her friend works at museum.When I was gifted the research,she did not find any info of service aside his gazetted deed for 2nd Cameron Highlanders.I figure 1,because he comissioned to Border Reg,and 2,he was promoted to 2nd Lieut..I am injured right now,and $3ooo.oo pup hip I am paying off,but when times are more prosperous,I will be looking into hiring your research expertise.I am wore out from over a decade of searching.I was honored when my dear friend gifted me the info,but was also disheartening to learn how hard it is to get results researching from another land.The Querys dont arise with United Kingdom intent.lol..Its also sad how many soldiers are lost and have nobody to add their name back in modern days web information,to be remembered into humanitys next stride..#3570 Pto/wo H. (Harry) Biggs,he was promoted as well, (lieut) ,yet included was PAGES OF INFO from the Boer wars..Paul,if you ever see these men included in any reg image,news clipping,please let me know,would GLADLY,GLADLY PAY FOR YOUR TIME..Sometimes I see J. ARTHUR,BUT THEN THE LAST NAME.LOL.for a split second I almost die.lol..What a homerun It would be..lol..

Hello Paul, I'm trying to research the war records of my 2 x great grand father ARTHUR ROBERT DICK b1867 ( I think, give or take one year) in Lambeth, Surrey.I have ordered his war record index card but I do not know how to interpret what I am seeing?His soldier number was 2980, Private ranking, in London regiment.

How can I find out more about his experiences during WWI and what he was decorated for please?Thank you kindly for any assistance you can offer meDebra x

The card shows that he wasa discharged on the 17th Nov 1916 as no longer physically fit for war service. He served with the 2nd London Regiment, and served overseas from the 30th August 1915. As well as the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals, he was also entitled to receive a silver war badge. If you want a full report on his military service please drop me a liune via the research tab.

Thank you Paul, that's fantastic and much appreciated. XI am also researching my G grandfathers James Madden born in Paddington, london in 1869, however the only thing I have to go on is a WW1 photo ! His wife was Ada Smith, they lived in Paddington, london His mother was Fanny Richards and his father was Patrick George Madden.And also HENRY GEORGE OWEN STRANGE b1884 whose wife was Florence Catherine Dicks, daughter of my original thread...Henry was born in Willesden, Hendon.

Is there any way of tracing their military records with so little to go on ..??My whole family history is a complete unknown to me and I think it tragic that there are men in my family who served this country yet are not even remembered or acknowledged on Remembrance DayIf you could offer me any advice as to how I might be able to find their military records I would be so grateful to you.Best regardsDebra

Ultimately you'll need access to Ancestry or Findmypast. Also try searchimg for their medals on The National Archives' site here: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-medal-index-cards-1914-1920/.

I found my edward Moore b.1884/5 Islington listed as having completed his attestation in 1903. Is the serial number on the attestation the same as his service number? If not how can I find his service number?

Yes, the number is the regimental number. Although this blog is titled, Army Service numbers... the period we're looking at is when numbers were issued by regiment or corps. Army numbers came into being in 1920.

Paul I am hopeful that you can help. I am researching my grandfather John William Luty. I have his Mic which gives meN. staffs R. 40304 Pte and MGC 143530 101B. My dilemma is which N.Staffs Battalion? And when was he likely to have attested? He was born 30 June 1898 Knaresborough then moved to Leeds before the war. Why would he have two numbers. I have also claimed the medals he returned.Thank you and hope you can help.Christine

Christine, re John William Luty.He has two numbers becuase he sereved with two regiments. The medal roll does not give details of the batalion he served with, however.

I can telly you that the number 40304 dates to August 1917 - and thank you for uploading a photo of him to https://britisharmyancestors.co.uk/. It's possible that he initially served with the 2/5th Battalion overseas.

HiIm researching a family member and come up against a a bit of a snag. I have what seems to be medical discharge papers circa 1918/1919. the service number isn't obvious but appears to be either 8730 7591. Do either of these sounds right for RAOC for the period? Many thanks

Hi PaulI'm trying to trace the military movement of my g-grandfather Matthew James Jennings who left England in the early 1880s with the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons bound for South Africa.All said, he appears to have been quite a mercenary, having left his unit at some point and progressed as follows:Cape Colony Defence Force (Number 1720)Southern Rhodesia Volunteers (Number 469)5th Royal Irish Lancers (Number 5861 - joined between Jan and Mar 1901)Kimberley Horse (Number 41864 - joined 15 Mar 1902)The gap I'm looking to fill is his early career - his reg numbers along with when he joined and left the Inniskillings, the CCDF and the SRV...Can you assist?Des JenningsCape Town

@Jonathan Adams you can run some free searches for your man on my British Army Ancestors website here: https://britisharmyancestors.co.uk/. Try keying in the numbers you quote and his name and see what comes back.

1. Please try running some seareches on my British Army Ancestors website using the numbers you have quoted: https://britisharmyancestors.co.uk/2. Try searching the medal rolls in WO 100 (on Ancestry)3. Post a query on the Victorian Wars Forum

Hi, I am stuck on this so hope you may have some insight that will help.

The chap I am researching is James Bray, born 1891ish Stratford, Essex and dies in 1936 in Carmarthen. I have the discharge documents from when he is discharged from the Labour Corps in January 1919, his number is 629967, previous numbers are Welsh Regiment 13042 and Royal Engineers 197981. These numbers all fit with his medal card with the additional number on that for the Royal Fusiliers GS/132486, this last number is confirmed on the medal roll for the Royal Fusiliers which also lists all previous numbers.

He is gassed in Ypres in 1917 and attempts to claim a pension when leaving the Labour Corps but is denied.

He gives his home address as Barking in Essex, in 1919 he is recorded there as a military voter, still there in 1920 but as an ordinary resident, gone by 1921.

Now to the crux of the problem, I have found a pension record for a James Bray with a Royal Fusiliers number 132502 with discharge date April 1920 living in Carmarthenshire. The pension is paid up until 1925, he marries in 1925, I assume this is a coincidence.

My theory is, but I could be wrong, that he joins the Royal Fusiliers after demobilisation and somehow manages to get his pension that way, but the two different numbers? Thoughts appreciated!

Hi, my great grandfather George Butler enlisted on 22 March 1915 in Shrewsbury into the royal welsh fusiliers, his rank private 24823 and his badge number was 153596. I simply can’t seem to find out much about him or why he enlisted there instead of the Staffordshire regiment where he lived. Any information would be much appreciated as I can’t find actual records.

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WW1 Medal Index Cards 1914-1920First World War campaign medal entitlement details for close to 5 million men. You'll find ALL of a man's regimental numbers indexed here. Ancestry's search is limited to the last number a man was issued with; a serious failing.

The Royal Dublin Fusiliers was born on 1st July 1881. The 1st Battalion was created out of the old 102nd Regiment of Foot (Royal Madras Fus...

Regimental Numbers

When did my relative enlist? When did my grandfather join up? On what date did he join his regiment?

A man's regimental number can tell you a lot about when he joined and even which battalion he joined. Note however, that there is a distinction between "enlisted" and "joined".

A man would generally enlist once - and be given a regimental number - or army number - on joining his regiment. If he joined another regiment he would be given a different number.

He could even be given a different number if he joined another battalion of the same regiment. In all probability this number would not be unique and could be repeated in many battalions and regiments throughout the British Army.

This blog aims to guide the researcher through the maze of regimental numbers issued by the British Army between 1881 and 1918.

The Army Service Numbers Database

The Army Service Numbers database is a database of British Army regimental numbers. This has been compiled from original sources, principally WO 363, WO 364, WO 96, WO 97 and WO 372 at the National Archives in London.

The database covers most units of the British Army which issued regimental numbers between the years 1881 and 1918: Infantry Regiments, Cavalry and Yeomanry, Royal Artillery and Royal Army Medical Corps.

What you will find on this blog is data from a far larger data set - generally one number per year up until 1914 and then one number per month from August 1914 onwards.

As general rules:

1. Army Service Numbers for regular battalions are uncomplicated and largely sequential up until 1914.

2. Numbering in the British Army becomes more complicated from December 1915.